When I first hit the link, John Cage -- 4'33" for piano (1952), I waited a minute to
listen for music and there was not any sound, so I fast forwarded a little bit and there
was still nothing playing. My first thought is maybe the internet was running slow again
or the video was broken. I rewound it, played it again and still the same thing. It wasn't
until the end when he stands up and everyone applauds that I really got confused and
wondered what in the world is going on. I rewound it again and still not hearing anything but I could see slight movements of his hands and him breathing. I thought okay so this
is pretty interesting. I guess the point was to make people sit and think for a while and
relax. Just enjoy being in the moment. Hear the sounds that surround you. I have to
agree with John Cage's portrayal of "music" in 4'33".
The composer that I have chosen is Igor Stravinsky. The composition that I have
chosen is "The Rite of Spring in 1913". Although designed as a work for the stage, with
specific passages accompanying characters and action, the music achieved equal if not
greater recognition as a concert piece, and is widely considered to be one of the most
influential musical works of the 20th century (Music 101. Stravinsky's The Rite of
Spring). When you think of classical music, you think of calming and relaxation, but this
piece seems to be spooky and sudden, like you feel like something bad is about to
happen. One interesting thing about this piece is that a beautiful melody tries to come
in (you can hear it around 5:11 and then again at 7:40) but every time it does try to
come through, the chaos takes over and pushes it to the side. Music has definitely
changed in the 20th century due possibly to advances in technology and new musical
trends as well as new forms and styles
References
Music 101. Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring I Music 101. (n.d.) https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-musicapp-medieval- modern/chapter/stravinskys-the-rite-of-spring/.